Richard "Rick" Allan Schroeder

Richard Allan Schroeder, 70, of Summerfield, North Carolina, died on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. He was born September 8, 1954, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Barbara (Stefaniak) Knapp (Ken) and the late John “Jack” Schroeder (Louise).

Rick, as he was affectionately known, was raised in Oxford, PA and attended the Oxford Area High School. Upon completion, he enrolled at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids where, upon graduation, he began a long and illustrious career as a Furniture Designer. Over the years Rick received numerous design awards, was president of the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD), now the International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD), and played a pivotal role in the High Point design community. Although he retired after many years as VP of Design at Stanley Furniture in 2017, he found a way to keep his hand in the industry he loved. He contracted with Gat Creek for a short time and the company’s first introductions of 2023 came from his drawing board.

Rick loved taking care of his family, his greatest joy! He is going to be so missed by his wife Linda, his children, Sarah Klingman (Justin), Melissa Coleman (Jamie) and Matthew (Marijke); his stepchildren, Shannon Ballantyne (Zak) and Connor Ballantyne. Forever remembered by his five grandchildren, Lily, Harrison, Evelyn, Frankie and Crew (and one on the way)! His siblings and their families: Penny(Malcom), Kerry(Nancy), Chet(Mary), John(Faraneh), Keith, Missy(David) and Kelli(Dave).

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack; his sibling Joseph Knapp; and his former wife, Karen (mother of his son Matthew).

The family will celebrate and honor Rick's life every day. A celebration of life will be held at the family's home later this year. His family respectfully requests any contributions in his memory be made to fund scholarships through the International Society of Furniture Designers at PO Box 5445, High Point NC 27262 or [email protected]. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.